Sometimes things occur in life where a break is needed by a Resource Parent, or something arises where the foster child is not able to attend with the Resource Parent. Short-term care, alternative care, and respite care are options approved by our agency. The resource parent needs to inform the agency social worker of any changes in care at least a week in advance when possible. A Resource Parent can arrange for care/supervision of a foster child unless prohibited by the child’s agency social worker, county social worker, probation officer, court order, or Children’s Hope Foster Family Agency (CHFFA).

Short-Term Caregiver

• Care for less than 24 hours
• Background check not required for a short-term caregiver
• Can be used occasionally
• The caregiver may be under the age of 18 years old

Alternative Caregiver

• Care for up to 72 hours
• Background check not required for the alternative caregiver (unless they are an adult residing/regularly present in the Resource Family Home
• Can be used occasionally
• Caregiver must be at least 18 years old

Respite Care

• Care for longer than 72 hours
• Background check and Resource Family Home Certification required
• Can be used occasionally
• Must be approved by Children’s Hope, County, or Probation
• Care must be provided by a Resource Family Home or county approved respite provider

For more information around Care and Supervision, please see the attached document:

CHFFA Care and Supervison Doc

 A few things to keep in mind when finding short-term care, alternative care, or respite care: choose an individual or family who can provide for your foster child in your stay. Make sure that the individual or family can keep any appointments scheduled for your foster child. When packing for your foster child, be sure to provide enough clean clothes for the duration of his/her stay, including extra socks and underwear. Have the child pick out a special toy or stuffed animal to help relieve stress with the change in routine.

Consider making an information packet for your alternative care provider. Inside the packet, including a list of the necessary information:

• Child’s full name
• Birthdate
• Your name and contact information
• Agency social worker’s name and contact information
• Any doctor’s names and contact information
• Any allergies and medications needed to be administered
• Include a medicine log to document the administration of medicine
• Child’s health insurance information and consent to treat paperwork

I am interested in Respite Care